Us Against You has solidified Fredrick Backman as one of our favorite authors.  The sequel to Beartown takes us deeper into the town’s politics, hockey and most importantly, its people.  I felt very emotionally invested in the story’s characters (something that is not typical for me) – my spectrum of emotions ranged from fear to fury, exuberance to exhaustion, heartbroken to hopeful all within a few pages.

Beartown left a divided and broken community.  The wake of a rape literally tore the town apart and tainted its pride and joy – the hockey team.  Us Against You picks up in the aftermath where tensions are high both within Beartown and with its crosstown rivals, Hed.

Backman does an impeccable job walking the reader through each character’s thoughts, emotions and actions.  There are so many layers to Beartown, yet I never felt overwhelmed.  You become intimately familiar with everyone’s strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncracies.  While violence, misogyny and homophobia cause disarray, there is also good to be found in even the most intimidating people.  Further, every player, student, coach and parent play an integral role in the story of how the town moves on from tragedy and breaks from its painful past.

With so many loveable characters, it’s tough to pick a favorite.  For me, Amat and Coach Zackell stick out because of their quirky personalities mixed with their love of hockey and strong will despite public perception.  However, it is very tough for me to not love Ana and Ramona.  I welcome debate for anyone other citizen of Beartown as well!

Us Against You takes a deep dive into all facets that affect a family or community – travesty, death, work, politics, compromise.  Ultimately, it is a story of love – of spouse, of child, of friend, of self, of community, and obviously, of hockey.

Verdict: Read it! (5/5 Stars)
Length: 449 pages
Quote: “This has been a story about ice rinks and all the hearts taht beat in and around them.”
When: After have read Beartown of course!
Also Read: The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

Buy Us Against You by Fredrick Backman

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